Ray Kralis has been named Central Illinois Professional Golfers' Association Teacher of the Year. This is his fourth time earning this honor. This is his sixth year of coaching the women's golf program and his second for the men's at Illinois State. He has proven his teaching abilities with winning teams and led both the men's and women's golf teams to championships at the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Championships in 2004-05. Becoming champions in the 2003-04 season, the following 2004-05 victory marked back-to-back championship titles for the women's program.
Kralis considered the team when receiving this award.
"Even though it is an individual award I look at it as a collective award," said Kralis. "It is really a credit to the teams and players that I work with because without their success I am not a success."
His dedication to Illinois State golf began in 1986 as a player. His drive to succeed resulted in a team conference championship in 1989 and individual all-conference honors in 1988. As a student-athlete, Kralis showed his commitment to academics by graduating cum laude in 1990 with a degree in finance. Today, his expectations remain the same: his players are expected to compete in the classroom as they compete on the golf course.
Kralis has been a Class A member of the Professional Golfers' Association since 1993. Teaching throughout the summer in Central Illinois, Kralis stays current with today's instruction methods. While coaching and teaching responsibilities have limited his playing time, he still loves to compete and has captured six CIPGA victories.
Earning the CIPGA award starts with nomination by his peers. He is then asked to submit written materials to back up the nomination, committee review and final selection.
Kralis felt honored.
"It's very special to me to be recognized," said Kralis. "It's a great honor to be recognized by your peers for the time and effort that you put into your profession."
